Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - OLYMPICS SQUAD: CLASH: USA vs. Canada SET for Gold—Who Will CONQUER the Ultimate Hockey Showdown?

Starting point is 00:00:02 The men's gold medal game is set. It's Canada and the United States. Looking forward to a thrilling game. We'll talk about how we got there next on today's Locked on NHL Olympic squad show. You are talking puck with the NHL squad show. From the Oilers to the stars, Golden Knights and the Panthers, the Rangers, Avalanche, and yes, even the Maple Leafs. The Locked On podcast network brings together all its local experts to provide the scoops, breakdowns, and, comprehensive looks at all the NHL with plenty of trash talk to go with it. Don't miss the hard hits and glove dropping hot takes on the locked on NHL squad show. It's time to drop the puck. Welcome everybody to the Friday edition of the Lockdown NHL Olympic Squad Show. Thank you for making the squad show your first listen every day. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube or wherever you get your podcast. So you never miss any of the episodes here on the Lockdown and

Starting point is 00:01:06 NHL network and thank you for helping to make Lockdown the number one sports podcast network. I am Gil Martin from Lockdown Islanders. I'm here today with Kyle Carr from Lockedon Anaheim Ducks and David Morrisuti of Lockedon Leafs as we talk Olympic hockey and, well, the gold medal game is set and to the surprise of not a lot of people. it's a mirror image of the women's game the men will be Canada against the United States but Canada kind of had to sweat to get there

Starting point is 00:01:42 David a great comeback by Canada but were you surprised that the game was this close not surprised that the game was close surprised that Canada found themselves down to nothing that like to me like Canada has yeah for most of the tournament they hadn't faced, you know, the adversity of having to come back in a game, right? They were always up two, three, four, and eventually five nothing in most cases.

Starting point is 00:02:10 Against Chequette, that was the first time yet that they had ever gone down in a game. And now I guess they're just like, well, work for us against Chech, yes. Let's do it again against Finland. Let's not do that in the gold medal game, gentlemen. But, yeah, I mean, this is the thing, like, it was moments, right? take a penalty, bang, in the back of the net. I'm just like, oh boy, this is not going to go well. And then when they got the shorthanded goal scored against,

Starting point is 00:02:37 and I'm just like, oh, like this is really, really not good. But as the game went along, like Canada was just dominating from that point. Like, they basically said, all right, we're going to stop it here. We're going to stop playing nice. And they took control of the game. It was like, I don't know how Finland thought. sitting back on a 2-0 lead was going to go well for them because as good as UC Soros is, Canada is too good of a team to just sit back on a lead.

Starting point is 00:03:08 And look, I think there were probably, when a team is pressing, like Finland had a clear strategy of sit back and hope for a counterattack. Canada got a lot smarter on that and eventually, you know, the zone time catches up to you. I think that's probably the biggest takeaway is Canada's a lot of. ability to just control play, control zone time. Yeah, there were some sloppy moments, but they, and when they finally start hitting the net, I probably, I was probably going to be ready to order shooting lessons for the entire

Starting point is 00:03:42 blue line after that game. But that, that to me was like, the big thing of this game is, you know, Canada stuck to it. They didn't panic. They didn't try to cheat their way. They were doing the right things. And Finland, you know, they're probably gutted because. it was right there for them. But it just goes to show in a tournament like this,

Starting point is 00:04:02 you can't sit on a lead against a team like Canada. No, not at all. It was kind of ironic looking at X after the game and saw Timuselani upset about the officiating, talking about, you know, it's hard to beat Canada and the Canadian officials and all this stuff. But then Chris Bronger replies with, well, come on.

Starting point is 00:04:27 Now, anyone knows you can't be sitting on a two-goal lead for, for 40 minutes of a game. And it's like, okay, we've got someone tweeted like, it's like watching your uncle's fight at the dinner table. Like we've got these two legendary ducks arguing over this game. But, you know, Finland, they came out hot with those quick goals. And but like David said, you just cannot sit back and give any type of grace to that Canadian roster. They have such a stacked lineup. It was to be expected, even with Crosby out, you know, McKinnon's going to play well, McDavid, Celebrini, everyone that needed to step up in that game stepped up and got them the win.

Starting point is 00:05:07 I'm a little worried that now they're like, all right, now we're going to bring this heat to the gold medal game. Yeah, I mean, that's the other thing too. I'm sure Kyle's just like shouting on us, stop the fighting. You guys love each other. but this is the thing like it brings out this passion right i i i give don't i don't blame t musilani for one bit that's just a passionate reaction to the way a very disappointing ending but again if they didn't call that high stick oh man i can only imagine what would have happened and like to me i thought he was going to be referencing the second canadian goal where marshawn

Starting point is 00:05:50 was knocked into Sorrows and I thought maybe that's what he was referring to but that when he was talking about that late in the game I'm like so we can't call penalties if they're blatant and obvious like me like I understand

Starting point is 00:06:06 like the NHL has all been about prison rules and playoffs and Stanley Cup finals but like that like that would be way too obvious if you don't call a penalty on a play like that David was there a turning point in this game? Was there a moment where you said, okay,

Starting point is 00:06:24 Canada is back on track? Yeah, no, I think it was the first goal just because they needed to stop the bleeding. They needed to go into that third period with some sort

Starting point is 00:06:40 of like an idea that, you know, we're finding a way to cut down on this lead. They had chances, but they had a lot of missed opportunities. And the one thing I will say that was better about this game versus the Finland game is, yes, Crosby,

Starting point is 00:06:56 no, you don't have Crosby, so you're, you're still figuring out ways to make it work without them. In this game, what work better than the, the Czech game is there was an identity on the other lines that other guys who were able to kind of step up.

Starting point is 00:07:14 The Marshawn Bennett, I know Wilson was put in there, so they found, the guys to come through and play with a little bit more of an identity in this game. And like, I get it. The Crosby injury sucks. It absolutely sucks. But he, it's like he's your, I would say top five player, right?

Starting point is 00:07:37 Top five four, whatever you want to say. Like he means a lot to this team. Don't get me wrong. But you're a team full of top players on all these other teams. Maybe not all of them are at the Sydney Crosby level, but that's fine. you don't need them all to be Sidney Crosby. I think that's what it ended up happening in this game is other guys are like, okay, well, we can't do what

Starting point is 00:07:57 Sidney Crosby does, but we can find ways to contribute in the ways that we know we can. And that's, I think, what happened in this game. So I'll credit Canada for finding a way. I know Crosby was close, and I'm sure a lot of guys are anxious about that would they have Crosby. But I also like the fact that they didn't just, you know, put their whole game plan on Crosby.

Starting point is 00:08:19 possibly being available for them as well. Crosby adds leadership and experience above and beyond his talents on the ice. I mean, this is a deep team. This is a team full of really great players and leaders. But who do you think filled that vacuum for Canada? It's everyone's favorite player, Brad Marshawn. Like, you saw it on the bench. He was pumping up the players.

Starting point is 00:08:48 He had a bit his best game. and I thought he was due for a goal. I thought he was going to score in this game. That's how good I thought Brad Marshall was playing in this game. He really stepped up. He understood, okay, I don't have the C. That's McDavid's deservingly so. But that doesn't mean Brad Marchon can't find a way.

Starting point is 00:09:08 Every team he, like his addition to the Panthers was so crucial. Like he brought that element, a different element of the Panthers clearly needed in that run. you know, it's not always about can he score. Can he keep the guys level-headed through it? And when they were down to nothing, Brad Marchand did not panic. He was the one keeping guys on the bench from thinking, oh, man, like the sky is falling on us.

Starting point is 00:09:34 He's the one that kept the guys on that bench level-headed. And I think that, I think he was so crucial to Canada being able to just regroup of finding a way to get back into it. Yeah, I think he really proved that, you know, You don't want to be against him, but when you have him on your team, you absolutely love having Brad Marchand. And his energy was so electric and just how pumped up he was when they started scoring. And when they had that long review and then they called it a good goal and he's just stoked on the bench, you know, just this absolute gem of a character.

Starting point is 00:10:08 And, you know, he's been here before plenty of times in big playoff moments. And he knows what it's like to take the next step. And even when you guys, you have guys out like, you know, Patrice Bergeron or Zedano Charra, he had to be that guy out in Boston. Now he's out in Florida, not as much of a leadership role. But a guy you don't need to give a letter to that's going to step up and take care of that locker room. And I also think that, you know, McKinnon, even if he is dealing with something or not, I think he's been stepping up as well.

Starting point is 00:10:40 He's always got that dog in him. He sets a certain tone of competitiveness. And then just to see Celebrini come in and kind of just be this kid. And, you know, he's requesting the puck. And he's trying to call off, you know, McDavid and Crosby, trying to get the puck as a 19-year-old beaver tailing and stuff. So you've got a lot of guys on the Canadian roster that are grade A players and will drag the rest of the players through the fight.

Starting point is 00:11:09 No doubt about that. Is there a lesson that you think Canada learned, something they learned from this close call that may help them, in the gold medal game. I just think staying, you know, not trying too hard because like that shorthand goal happened because guys were flying

Starting point is 00:11:28 it got way too chaotic on that power play. Kind of keep it simple. Get to your spots. Don't be flying around because that can really throw things out of whack in a lot of ways. And they got to get, they started getting better on the faceoffs in that third period.

Starting point is 00:11:44 They were spending way too many times getting possession in the offensive zone getting in the whistles, but then they lose the draw right after. It means nothing to get those offensive zone opportunities if you're not keeping yourself for extended periods in the zone. So I think, you know, they got a lot better at the faceoffs. They found a way. I think they're going to have to find a way to get even better at that because it's, you know,

Starting point is 00:12:09 it's a small little detail that can go a long way in a game where it's every, you know, inch, right? one goal games, one shot, one chance in the offensive zone. That's all you need. And so that's kind of where I think they really found a way later on in the game to really pick themselves up and get to those opportunities. All right. We have got more to get to on today's show.

Starting point is 00:12:36 Team USA also advancing to the gold medal game. We'll talk about how they did it coming up next on the squad show. Today's episode is brought to by Fan Duel. to experience the NBA finals live and in person, Van Duel is giving you the chance to turn that dream into reality with their NBA sweepstakes. Here's how it works. Use your profit boost on any NBA future, and you'll automatically be entered for a shot to win an NBA finals trip for two.

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Starting point is 00:13:46 Play your game with Fandul, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Team USA seemed to have an easier time of it. They started fast and won going away. Kyle, what was your first impression of this win by Team USA to get to the gold medal round? My first impression was excitement, glad that they did it. It was nice to enjoy the game. Slovakia was honestly my biggest worry. I was very nervous going into this game.

Starting point is 00:14:23 Yesterday we talked about after the women won gold. and I was like, you know, this is the team that makes me nervous. I really didn't want to say anything. I don't want to jinx anything because I figured it was going to be a Canada versus USA gold medal game. But I just didn't want to put that to risk with that Slovakia team because they were really great during this tournament. I think Slavkovsky really put himself on the map in this tournament. And he's had a couple Olympics before this, but this one really set him off. And I think he was doing really, really well.

Starting point is 00:14:56 Well, got the goal scoring started for Slovakia against Team USA. So they was a good game there, but the team just came together and all the guys that needed to show up, we're showing up. And we talked about Brad Marchand on the Canadian team. Well, you've got Matthew McCut, Matthew Kachuk on the USA team with his brother Brady. And then with Eichol, I feel like they've been just kind of set in the tone for this team. And that power play unit that the USA team has has been really strong with Tage Thompson. He did leave the game early, but it looks like it was more of a precautionary thing there. But I just love this team.

Starting point is 00:15:38 I think the energy, the speed, it's all coming together right now. And, you know, am I a little worried that they, you know, quote unquote, poke the bear? Now you got Canada that had to fight for it in the U.S., maybe not so. but I really like what I'm seeing out of this American team from the back end on up. And, you know, Quinn Hughes was looking fantastic in this game. And basically him and his brother, the Hughes brothers were just on fire for this. So a lot of storylines kind of came out of this game. A lot of the guys, I think, answered a lot of questions that were still kind of lingering.

Starting point is 00:16:14 If they're up here and worthy of this play, I know a lot of rumors have been going around about Jack Hughes. and he got two today and he's he was great uh throughout the entire tournament as well so i think this usa team's really showing what they're capable of and they're ready to roll for sunda yeah i just look at the u.s we talked about this uh the other day where it felt like it was just a moment it just we were waiting for them to have this big offensive explosion we know that the talent was there for them to do it so like if you're if you're looking at how they play i'm sure they feel a lot better knowing that the goal scoring is is starting the show.

Starting point is 00:16:53 And that's one last thing they have to be kind of concerned about. And look, Connor Hallibuck, another big, it wasn't a hard game, really for him. He didn't see a lot of shots. But for goalies,

Starting point is 00:17:05 that's tougher, right? When you're not seeing a lot of rubber, you're kind of every little thing can get, you know, one bad goal could be the thing that breaks in a lot of ways. And he didn't allow, yeah,

Starting point is 00:17:17 he had the one goal with Slavkovsky, a little bit of a miss play behind the net. But other than that, like, I know that everyone's talks about, okay, let's wait for him to have the big game, right? That's how he does in the big moment. But you have to feel good when your goaltending is doing well. And now you got your star forwards and you got contributions from up and down the lineup, right? It's not just, you know, one line that's kind of pulling the weight of offense for Team USA. So you've got to give them credit that they've been able to find ways for more guys to contribute offensively.

Starting point is 00:17:52 I'm going to ask you guys about a player and shout out to our producer Jay Foster for this one. How about Zach Werenski, three assists in this game? I mean, he, I just think, you know, he may not always be flashy, but boy, does he get the job done. Oh, man. Like Werenski, I always think back to when it was the draft. The Leaves had the opportunity to draft, Marner, but there was talk. that maybe Rorensky was on the Leafs radar. And like Mitch Marr's great player.

Starting point is 00:18:27 He did good things for the Leafs. But if the Leaves had a defenseman like Zach Werenski, I just, we've seen it the last few, like we've seen it for a majority of his career, especially the last few years and in this tournament, you just, you see the value of having a defenseman like him.

Starting point is 00:18:45 And so like the U.S. Blue Line, no one has, we knew they, we knew they were going to be good. We knew that they were going to be a big strength to this, to this American lineup. But having a defense like Wrenski, right,

Starting point is 00:19:00 and you've got Quinn Hughes and you just go up and down that blue line. And like, you don't need Werensky to, you know, you don't need Wrenski to do it all. And like, yes, producer,

Starting point is 00:19:13 we will continue to say nice thing about Zach Lewis. It's hard not to. Norse can't. That he is stuck in Columbus right now. Sorry, that's a little bit. That's a nice thing about Rensky, but not even know it's a nice thing I look at the blue jackets,

Starting point is 00:19:28 but I will say that, yeah, the U.S. have a spoil of riches on that blue line when you can say, all right, Rensky, go out there. Okay, Sanderson, all right, Quinn. Like, it's, it just goes, it's a lot easier for that blue line to be so cohesive

Starting point is 00:19:46 when you have that level of depth. Yeah, and, it's it's tough because for me being the ducks host and you know obviously talking to a lot of ducks fans where like a lot of people are asking where's jackson lecombe but i look at this decor for USA and it's like i'm not offended that he is not on this lineup there are so many good players on this defensive core now with the whole tage thompson thing i don't know maybe something opens up he can play like a little dual role or something but uh that everything else aside, Zach Wrenc's been so good on the blue side,

Starting point is 00:20:25 you know, defensive side of the puck and the offensive side. And there was a moment during that game. It didn't result in a goal, but he was stick handling the puck and he, he's deacon out some dude and he, the guy kind of pushed him. He lost his footing. And while he's still following, he like reaches out and bats the puck, pushes it wide to the, the far boards. And I think it was like Jack Hughes or someone was right there in the space and kept the

Starting point is 00:20:50 the puck in the zone. It's like the little things like that, just the the termination to make things happen and the location of where he's at and where their positioning is. Everything that they've been doing has been outstanding to watch and generated. I think most of those goals today came from the back end. It wasn't really the one in Duns or anything like that. It was a lot of plays set up by the defense, getting the cycle going, and then it resulted in something in the back the net. No question. Werenzky and that USA Blue Line really important to the success of the team. All right. We are going to preview the gold medal game between the United States and Canada. And we'll talk a little bit about who gets the bronze, all that coming up on the squad show.

Starting point is 00:21:46 All right. I'm going to ask you guys this question in maybe a slightly different way. And I'm going to start with you, Kyle. If your team USA, what? concerns you most about facing Canada in this gold medal game? I think what concerns me most is Crosby rallying and ending up back in the lineup and he just takes over the team and sets the tone and basically just turns this up on side of its head. We've seen it in 2010 what he can do to this team. I think he is such a icon and staple of that team. If he comes out healthy, it's kind of like, you know, Zadano-Charl with the wired shut

Starting point is 00:22:32 jaw in 2019 for the Bruins. Granted, they didn't win, but just like what that brings to the team and how motivated people get for that, that's my biggest worry is that he's going to come out there and they're going to battle for him. And David, if you're a team Canada, what concerns you most about facing team U.S. say? It's probably the blue line and goaltending because Canada, you know,

Starting point is 00:22:57 now that they've played two teams, two stronger teams, this is going to be the toughest combination of defensive goaltain that they'll play in terms of the star talent. Canada has put up chances, but they've struggled to get into scoring areas. And when they have,

Starting point is 00:23:14 whatever team is defending is right on top of them. And I mean, Canada, when they play the U.S. in four nations, that was a very close game, right? And Canada really struggled at times to get into those scoring areas. So they're going to have to find a way to break through and get to, you know, find ways for other guys to contribute. And so, yeah, like Canada has the star talent, but USA can go toe to toe with them.

Starting point is 00:23:41 I think the way that they're set up, USA probably feels good about, you know, their blue line. You can throw any defense pairing out there and you feel pretty good about how they match up. up. It's going to be one heck of a game. Before we get to predictions, Finland and Slovakia battle for the bronze. Who's the favorite and why? I'm going to stick with Finland. I just think, yeah, I'm sure they're disappointed with how the game went and not being able to get to the gold medal game. But that's still a team that's got some good talent. And I think Slovakia has been a good story, but I think it goes to show that when you put them up against a team that has the wealth of talent, I just think it's going to be a tough road for Slovakia,

Starting point is 00:24:33 especially to recover from this type of game where they're probably very disappointed, very down on themselves. And yeah, you know, you get a chance to still go for metal. I just think that you look at the way that Finland has really pushed themselves. in this tournament. They've gone over the, you know, the first loss that they had really well. And, you know, the only thing I could say is there's some players are going to have to, you know, they're have to play a lot more disciplined.

Starting point is 00:25:06 They're very undisciplined against Canada. And I think if you're Slovakia, that's probably the one thing you're hoping is that Finland continues to play undiscipline. But I just think Finland has, it's a good roster. that's a tight checking team, good blue line. They're not going to make it easy on Slovakia. Is it possible, however, that emotionally Finland can't recover from the way they lost in the semis? I don't think.

Starting point is 00:25:36 I think they want that medal still. I think that it's going to hunger them, I think. And with Slovakia's performance against the U.S., I think that, you know, it's, seems like the wheels kind of ran off with the Slovakian team. They weren't playing as physical as they had been. They hadn't really enforced their game against the U.S. team, which I mean, with the speed and the structure that U.S. has, it's hard to do that. But looking at how things went and how Finland was able to put up a good fight against Canada until they sat back and tried to milk that 2-0 lead, I think Finland definitely has what it takes to come away with the bronze

Starting point is 00:26:17 medal over the Slovakian team. And nothing against that team. It's just, I think, the length of the tournament and the talent, it's all finally kind of bubbling up. And now you're seeing the rosters with a little bit more NHL talent are kind of taken over the tournament. All right. So gold medal game, USA, Canada. Who wins and why?

Starting point is 00:26:39 Kyle, let's start with you. Well, we mentioned, you know, I talked about Crosby coming back. And then David mentioned the goaltending and defensive core for the U.S. Jordan Bittington's no slouch for the Canadians either. And we know how it is when he shows up on these big moments and what he has did to this team in the Four Nations. And hella Buck, everyone's always asking, when's he going to show up? Like you said, Gil.

Starting point is 00:27:05 I think this is going to be one of those games that I think is going to upset some people. And there's going to be one of those asterisk comments or doesn't count comments. I think it's going to go to OT just like the women's game. And the U.S. is going to come away with a gritty, grimy goal that, you know, it's going to be a hard-fought battle. David? I got to stick with my, I got to stick with Canada. If Crosby comes back, I mean, I think, you know, he might not be at 100%. He might not play what we expect from Crosby at his best.

Starting point is 00:27:43 But I think just the guys are going to rally around the play. players are going to rally around him. And yeah, the U.S. has a very tough blue line, but I think Canada found other ways for guys to contribute in this game. And you try telling Connor McDavid that he is losing a gold

Starting point is 00:28:00 medal game. I don't think he's going to, I don't think he's going to leave everything on the, Nathan McKinnon has been thrown up on the bench in this and keeping himself in it. And like Macklin-Sellibrini too, he

Starting point is 00:28:16 should have had a few goals in this game. I just think Canada stars have just been so good that yes, it's going to be a very tough battle against the U.S. But we have seen Connor Hallibuck struggle in these games.

Starting point is 00:28:32 And so, and the Canadians got a lot of, yes, the U.S. have got some guys that have won some cups, but the Canadians also have guys who know how to win in these sort of games. And they proved it last year Four Nations. I'm expecting a similar type of game. It's going to be close. I think it's going to come down to the wire because you've seen these two teams go up against each other.

Starting point is 00:28:51 So many international tournaments, it's always a way it happens. If it goes to a shootout, exciting, gimmick, or both? I hate the shootout. I honestly cannot stand it. You cannot. Just do four on, like, I like the attrition theory where you do like five on five, four on four, three on three. Every OT as you keep going. And finally it's like, all right.

Starting point is 00:29:15 just like what's the rule again I think the first three shooters go and then you can have whoever else you want after that like the first five shooters get the first out of the way and just say McDavid

Starting point is 00:29:28 McDavid McDaniel McDavid McDaniel and throw in a celebrini when you want like it's going to be a very short bench in that you know it ever happens and I hope Connor Hallbuck will have nightmares if that ever comes about

Starting point is 00:29:42 but I hope no goal tender has to go through that gauntlet in a shootout. Well, I'm curious about how three. If they do three on three, like, are you going to get maybe two pairs of threes? Are you going to see a rotation throughout the roster of the players out there? Like, I don't know how that's even going to look. Like, you might have a celebrini McDavid. And they're going to do, they'll do pairs and then they'll kind of cycle through, I think.

Starting point is 00:30:15 they'll have their pairs but i think they're gonna kind of make it'll be like i guarantee if it goes so t and it's in a three-on-three situation happens like it would be mckinan and mcdavid and mccar and you just throw those guys out first like they did against check yeah and you hope the other team will have to count their blessings a little bit on that ikel hughes and matthews maybe on the for the americans yeah like i would say like you do like an ickel matthews and And you could put Quinn Hughes. Yeah, I would say Quinn Hughes. Orensky on the second.

Starting point is 00:30:50 Yeah, Werensky would be out there because Werensky is very good. Very good defenseman. Going to be a heck of a game. Going to be a heck of a game. Got to talk up Werensky. Got to talk up. Locked on Werensky. Get the job going, Jay.

Starting point is 00:31:06 If you never miss an episode of your favorite team's locked on NHL podcast, and the Everydayer Club is built for you. Get your favorite team show ad free, plus members only Discord access and more. So head to the link in the show notes or go to Lockdown Podcast.com slash Everydayer for more information. I'm Gilmartin from Locked on Islanders. I want to thank Kyle Carr of Locked on Ducks and David Morrisuti of Locked on Maple Leafs for joining me today. Have a great weekend, everyone. Enjoy the gold medal game.

Starting point is 00:31:43 And we will be back on Sunday to talk about what happened and why. So make sure you join us for that. Thanks again, everyone. Have a great weekend. And thanks for watching and listening to the Locked-on NHL Olympic Squad Show.

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